Masks off for primary students as COVID restrictions ease

MASK mandates for Victorian school children are set to be scrapped when students return to the classroom for term two on April 26, as health authorities review COVID settings.

Health Minister Martin Foley said the Omicron BA.2 variant was reaching its peak and, as case numbers begin to plateau, all health orders will be reconsidered.

“We currently have the fewest restrictions in place since the beginning of the pandemic, and the sensible settings that are in place can be reviewed following the peak in cases,” Mr Foley said.

Other restrictions currently under review include rules for household contacts, QR codes and vaccine mandates.

If health official predictions of the latest wave of the virus peaking in late April eventuate, students in years three to six will no longer have to wear a mask.

The Health Minister said the state’s public health team is monitoring and reviewing COVID settings and working with other jurisdictions to ensure they are nationally consistent and in line with national and Victorian public health advice.

The government also announced a series of other Pandemic Orders are being relaxed, new rules for cruise ships include passengers over 12 being required to have two vaccine doses, crew must have three and passengers will be required to obtain a negative test prior to departure.

The new rules for cruise ship passengers were announced ahead of the Commonwealth’s ban on cruise ships ending.

An easing of restrictions for polling booths ahead of the upcoming federal election have also come into effect, vaccination requirements no longer apply to any venue operating as a polling place.